Lithium: Practical Guide to Uses, Safety, and Everyday Tips

Lithium is one of the oldest and most effective mood stabilizers used today. If you or someone you care for is starting lithium, this page gives clear, useful facts you can use right away—what it treats, how to stay safe, and the common problems people face.

How lithium works and when it's used

Doctors most often prescribe lithium for bipolar disorder to prevent manic and depressive episodes. It can lower suicidal risk and reduce mood swings when taken correctly. The typical form is lithium carbonate or lithium citrate. Doses vary a lot between people, so doctors adjust them based on symptoms and blood tests.

Lithium doesn’t work instantly. You may see benefits in days to weeks for mania, and several weeks for mood stability. It’s usually part of a bigger plan that includes therapy, sleep routines, and sometimes other medications.

Staying safe: monitoring, interactions, and signs to watch for

Safety checks are the main thing with lithium. Before you start, your doctor will typically order kidney and thyroid tests, plus an EKG if needed. After starting, regular blood tests measure lithium level, kidney function, and thyroid hormones. Early on, tests are more frequent; once stable, they happen every few months.

Watch your sodium and hydration. Lithium levels and salt balance are tightly linked. Losing fluids from vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or strict low-salt diets can raise lithium levels and cause problems. Aim for steady salt intake and drink water regularly, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Certain drugs raise lithium levels: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and some diuretics. Other medicines and even herbal supplements can change levels too. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you use.

Know the warning signs of lithium toxicity: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, drowsiness, confusion, lack of coordination, and severe thirst. If you notice these, call your doctor or go to the emergency room—don’t wait.

Common, mild side effects include fine hand tremor, increased urination, mild weight gain, and occasional stomach upset. Most of these improve with dose adjustments or time. Long-term use needs checking for kidney and thyroid changes; your doctor will explain what to expect.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require special talk with your clinician. Lithium has some pregnancy risks but also big benefits for preventing relapse; decisions are best made with clear, personal counseling.

Practical tips: keep a list of meds, bring recent blood results to appointments, maintain steady salt and fluid habits, and set reminders for blood tests. If you travel, carry a note about lithium and your last test date.

If you want more articles on related drugs, monitoring, or online pharmacy safety, browse our site for easy, honest explanations. Ask your healthcare team if anything here applies to your situation—this guide is practical, not a prescription.